Hush.
Don't say a word.
Don't even think.
Turn off the music.
Did that make you feel uncanny?
In a world filled with relentless clamor, as a society we have become accustomed to rumble. And, psychological thought of being left alone with just deafening silence can be uncomfortable.
Have you ever sat in a room for hours with nothing around you assuring that you're still part of reality? I have. And, I dare you to try it. Let's see how long you last. I lasted for several hours in a dark room, and I promise you I would never do it again.
But, why would I experience such an extreme that tested my sanity?
Before I answer that inquisition, I want to share that I finished reading the book, "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie two months ago, courtesy of my cousin. First, I want to, again, say thank you for gifting this wonderful read. Second, if you haven't read this book I highly recommend reading it. It has many insights on how to win people over and getting along with people. There are many ideas that can help with people, but there is one idea that I want to apply towards this blog entry. The idea that I learned was that people are selfish.
What does that mean?
Well, it simply means that people just want their viewpoint to be heard from just their social paradigm. When people argue they argue on the basis of first - person rather than finding common ground to agree upon. People fight tooth-and-nail to have their voices heard; and in the process show little regard towards other people's feelings rather than save face. Furthermore, they don't LISTEN towards other people because they THINK they are right. Mr. Carnegie's idea brought new insight that had me reflecting upon how I react with people. Though I have been implementing this concept into my interactions, the way he explains it in his book had me clamoring for better ways towards my interactions.
But, you may be wondering what does this have to do with the word "silence''?
The reflection that had me clamoring towards better interactions had me think about myself. I reflected upon the times that I have shared events with people and, sometimes, I shared how I have been grateful for people that have impacted my life. I have done this through social media or through my personal interactions; but I have found most people have been overly critical especially if what I have planned doesn't come true.
Judgmental? May be.
Or, may be I needed to look inside myself; and ask myself have I been selfish? Have I been selfish by wanting to share things that are personal to me? Have I been selfish when those personal goals didn't come true? Have I been selfish that I wanted to include people into my life? Have I been selfish, because I wanted people to feel like they were included? Is that really selfish?
It has been a personal reflection upon my soul. And, I have realized that people can have their right towards their criticisms; but to be silent is no longer selfish.
Now, I can't be hurt. The only disappointment that I hold is towards myself, because nobody knows exactly my plans. Nobody else has to share that disappointment should my plans not come true. It destroys the dichotomy without disappointing people who I have shared my plans.
I have learned that it is just best to show that you can accomplish something rather than saying it. Parties aren't hurt. After all, actions speak louder than words. If you don't believe me, I might just as well show it. And, hence silence has become my greatest lesson.
Silence has also become my lesson of humility.
READER NOTE: If you're going to ask me how my life is going, and what my plans are in the future, I won't ignore you, and I will respond based upon what is happening. Please do not misunderstand this post. But, I won't go into too much detail regarding my life only when it is the right time. As the old adage goes, "all things come in good time".
In a previous blog post, I talk about time - please read it if you want to understand what I am referring towards. Remember, the proper timing is the real magic in our lives.
